USA TODAY International Edition
Ninja Nation, Centennial, Colorado Learn to be a ‘ninja warrior’ at these gyms
Ninja athletes aren’t found just on TV. NBC’s: “American Ninja Warrior,” which has competitors racing through ingenious and diabolical obstacles, has sparked the development of ninja gyms and leagues across the country. The locales train future ninja warriors and often cater to kids, who come for parties and training. But they also welcome drop-in visitors of all ages. “It’s a place for people who watch the show and say ‘I can do that’ to see if they really can,” says Grant McCartney of Islandninja.com, a top competitor who promotes the sport around the world. He shares some favorite gyms with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.
McCartney calls this gym state of the art. “They didn’t spare expense. It’s show-quality and tech savvy. They have everything.” Expect to find obstacles like floating steps, a warped climbing wall and a salmon ladder, a notorious challenge of leaping pull-ups. “It’s a very hard obstacle, and one kids really want to do.” Additional locations in Colorado and Texas. ninjanation.com
Iron Sports, Houston
Ninja legend Sam Sann’s gym has helped prepare legions of show competitors, and many work for him as coaches. This no-nonsense set-up has the most technical obstacles for elite-level training, says McCartney, who will be working out there this year. “The place is literally jam-packed with obstacles.”
ironsportsfit.com
Ultimate Ninjas, Chicago
You’ll feel like you’re in a TV studio at this small chain of gyms in the Chicago area and St. Louis. “They are show quality. They have the lights and the timers and the buzzers,” McCartney says. The locales sponsor all-ages pro camps where professional ninja athletes teach the tricks of the trade.
ultimateninjas.com
Obstacle Academy, Edna, Minnesota
Ninja stardom isn’t just for men. Sarah Schoback, known as the Ninja of the North, brings her expertise to this Twin Cities gym known for its staff and training.
“She has got some extremely strong coaches. It’s not that you just get the obstacles, but you’re going to get a highlevel coaching,” McCartney says. “You can train and be ready for the competition instead of showing up and hoping for the best.” obstacle-academy.com
Ultimate Backyard Warrior, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
As the name suggests, this gym started out as a home project. It was a labor of love, constructed from telephone poles and plywood, and even includes a water pit. Now it attracts families and competitors from around the country. “It’s a backyard course turned it into a professional gym. It’s like Disneyland for ninja warriors,” McCartney says.
ubwfit.com
Real Life Ninja Academy, Windsor, Connecticut
Ninja Drew Dreschel, who has competed on Sasuke, Japan’s version of the show, welcomes everyone at his dialedin gym. “Drew is arguably the best ninja right now and all his obstacles come from his expertise,” McCartney says. “He’s on the cutting edge of everything. A real insider.” Inspired visitors can even purchase obstacles to use at home.
reallifeninjaacademy.com
Obstacle Warrior Kids, Garland, Texas
With locations across Texas and in Utah, this gym offers tons of room to play. It hosts national ninja league competitions, along with parties, classes, and open course time. “Kids can show up and feel at ease. They can go crazy on obstacles, having a blast and wearing themselves out,” McCartney says.
obstaclewarriorkids.com
DoJoBoom, Thousand Oaks, California
Head to this extreme recreation park managed by show regular Kevin Bull, and perhaps some of the champion’s ninja magic will rub off on you. McCartney says he particularly likes the design of the obstacles, some of which incorporate clear plastics. “It’s just nice décor. You have really nice aesthetics and some trampolines, and other fun stuff as well.” Activities include a foam pit, extreme dodgeball, slack line and trapeze. dojoboom.com
Ninja Quest Fitness, Marietta, Georgia
You’ll find some of the newest most up-to-date ninja challenges at this space just outside Atlanta. “It has a lot of the new obstacles. As soon as you see it on the show, they have them built in a couple weeks,” McCartney says.
ninjaquestfitness.com
APEX School of Movement Norcal, Concord, California
This San Francisco-region gym was one of the first to feature show-quality obstacles. “They’ve been around, and you can see a lot of the LA and northern California ninjas train there,” McCartney says. The owner not only has competed, but also has a physical therapy background. “You can get real comprehensive training.”
apexmovementnorcal.com